Overdose suspected in two South Okanagan deaths

Two deaths in Olalla last week are suspected to be linked to a rash of overdoses in the South Okanagan.

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October 16, 2015 - 3:52 PM

PENTICTON - It’s not known yet what substance is responsible for seven overdoses and two deaths last week in the South Okanagan.

"Two deaths in Olalla are suspected to be related to an overdose, but that has not been confirmed," Cpl. Sean Hall with the RCMP’s Regional General Investigation Section says.

Hall says seven others in the South Okanagan were treated for overdoses, which are suspected to be opiate-related. There is also some suspicion that heroin laced with fentanyl could be behind the overdoses.

“At this time... we don’t know,” he says.

Police continue to caution drug users about the dangers of using illicit substances.

“There is no safe way to use drugs. Even straight heroin can be potentially lethal in a single dose. Everyone runs a risk,” Hall says.

OPINION At least part of me wasn’t sure I should write this, given what happened last time. It was August 15, 2003 and like many Thursdays before it, I was scratching around for a column idea. The summer newsroom